Keshi and Odemwingie conundrum

Stephen Keshi looks to be having a problem already in accommodating Peter Odemwingie in his starting line-up, just days to the commencement of the World Cup in Brazil.

The Nigeria coach has thrived particularly on playing a 4-3-3 formation, or an apparent 4-1-2-3 with two of his midfielders alternating between themselves to support the main striker, constantly bursting through from the centre of the pitch. The clearest exploits of Keshi's style was evident at the 2013 African Nations Cup, but one important factor was the fluidity of his three attackers, whose interplay caused problems for opponents.

It appears the poor form of Sunday Mba following African Cup of Nations last year has been a major blow to the Super Eagles coach's 'building project'. He had stated strongly at the continental competition that he was assembling a new and enduring team. Rightly so, especially as most of his players were playing for the first time a major competition.

Like the Nations Cup, Keshi’s back five has remained intact while the duo of Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi also retained their position in the midfield in the World Cup team. He had an experimental starting line up in the 2-2 friendly draw against Scotland at Craven Cottage, understandably, to make a final decision on his 23-man World Cup squad.

But the Eagles coach gave a glimpse of his starting line-up Tuesday night in Philadelphia against Greece when he paraded virtually his Nations Cup starters but with Peter Odemwingie joining Mikel and Onazi as the third midfielder, with licence to play the attacking/playmaker role.

The Stoke City striker may have been assured of a key role in the World Cup team before his recall to the national team after being left of both the AFCON and Confederations Cup squads, probably the reason for his new role.

Of course why will Keshi bring the controversial Odemwingie to the team if he was going to put him on the bench and risk the camp disunity he avoided (he admitted this) in previous competitions?

Unsurprisingly, Odemwingie, who has played either as a striker or a winger through his career, failed to perform in his role against the 2004 European champions. His touches let him down and the Nigeria midfield lacked cohesion and chemistry.

The Greek side exploited the African champions’ lack of understanding and created numerous chances, all of whom they failed to capitalise on, partly due to the excellent performance of Nigeria goalie, Vincent Enyeama.

Greece looked a more coordinated side and you’ll expect such from any team, with barely a week to the start of the Mundial. It is however fair to say Nigeria will be sharper in their next pre-World Cup friendly against the USA in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday.

The Eagles have struggled to find a genuine playmaker since the exit of former captain, Austin Okocha, with Mikel taking up the role, without genuine conviction. The Chelsea midfielder look more suited as a defensive central midfielder, having played in the position for nearly a decade for his London club.

But he has regularly played the creator’s role for Nigeria and he is the best for Keshi in Brazil, as things stand. This is where Ramon Azeez can come in to support Onazi as a strong duo to protect the backline while Mikel is allowed to orchestrate Nigeria’s attack.

Azeez, although is new to the team, made 30 La Liga appearances for Almeria with just five cautions. So he seems to be stable in terms of discipline, albeit the World Cup is a different stage entirely. Odemwingie should not be doing role learning again on Saturday against the USA

Fernabahce striker, Emenike remains, undoubtedly, the number one striker option, so that leaves Keshi with one option regarding starting Odemwingie. He will have to persuade him to play wide as he is experienced and have a better football judgement than Ahmed Musa. Otherwise he may have to be contented with substitute roles.

Keshi has no time to do further experimentation as to his starters, albeit his decisions will still depend on individual matches. Luckily for Nigeria, they have ‘minnows’ Iran in their opening game, so it gives them a bit of time to grow into the competition, like they did at AFCON.The ‘Big Boss’ was right to invite Odemwingie because he also gives him a very good option as a striker, after a decent season for Stoke City.

Keshi must not entertain any obstacle to his team’s campaign, or else he could find himself empowering the doubters of his coaching credentials if the Eagles perform below expectations in Brazil.

And the key to that? A team united on a mission, a weapon the Nigeria coach used effectively to conquer Africa. Now he must prove that feat was not a one-off at the global stage.